UNI will pay football coach Todd Stepsis $325,000 a year

CEDAR FALLS — New Northern Iowa football coach Todd Stepsis signed a five-year deal through Jan. 31, 2030, according to contract details acquired through an open records request.

An additional year is added to the five-year agreement upon a first FCS playoff appearance, or seven-win season in 2025 or 2026.

Stepsis’ base salary is $325,000 through all five years of the contract and includes numerous performance and academic bonuses.

He received an $800,000 salary pool for 10 assistant coaches and one director of operations, and the terms and conditions add “pool will increase to $900,000 annually provided Foundation salary enhancement funding.”

Logistically the contract terms came with $20,000 for moving expenses and/or temporary housing. A courtesy vehicle and country club membership also are included.

An FCS playoff appearance comes with a $10,000 bonus for Stepsis and $20,000 bonus pool to distribute to assistant coaches. A national coach of the year award provides a $10,000 bonus, while a Missouri Valley Football Conference coach of the year is a $5,000 bonus. An MVFC outright championship includes a $15,000 bonus, while a shared conference championship nets a $5,000 bonus.

A bonus of $4,000 is awarded with each FCS playoff win, as is $5,000 for a win against an FBS opponent. A $25,000 bonus for an FCS national championship runner-up finish and $50,000 upon winning a national title.

Academically, all bonuses become ineligible if the football team’s single year APR is less than 930. Meanwhile, if the team’s single year APR is 985 and above it provokes a $10,000 bonus.

Should another institution seek to hire Stepsis away from UNI, his buyout obligations decrease by 25-percent through the first four years of his contract. Beginning with a 100-percent buyout obligation in year one and 25-percent buyout of his annual compensation in year four.

If the university wishes to terminate Stepsis without cause it requires 100-percent of remaining salary the first 12 months after termination and 65-percent of salary beginning month 13 through the end of the otherwise unexpired term without offset.